| By :
William Gabriel
Just about every knows the martial art of karate as one of the most popular methods of self defense training in the United States and throughout the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. The Karate Kid movies of the 1980s did much to popularize the martial arts techniques and the discipline as a whole. Karate is a martial art developed in the country of Japan which includes many different training levels. It is seen by different practitioners as an art form and a method of self defense. As with other martial arts, Karate does not solely rely on physical techniques such as kicks, blows, strikes, holds, and takedowns. It also integrates various mental elements and training in leadership skills. The martial arts practice of Karate is built on different patterns, forms, and interpretations. Parts of the system include forms (called kata), attitude (known as kokoro), and sparring (also called kumite). When using kata, practitioners use a sequence of martial arts moves that translate into the principles of combat attack. Similarly, kumite incorporates grappling and kicking techniques that are commonly used during Karate sporting events and tournaments. Finally, kokoro is known as the center of Karate. Users of Karate cannot further their improvement without character and a heart for the sport. These days many youth and small children are trained in the sport of Karate and it is usually seen in such a connotation. However, it has its beginning as a true self defense martial art. Early on, only 3 obi betls were used to denote ranking in Karate. Three colors were used: black, brown and white, and each color level was divided in several sublevels. With increasing popularity, many more colors were eventually introduced into the sport. History of Karate Karate's roots were established during a time of extreme political turmoil and wars. Shotokan Karate was founded by a man named Gichin Funakoshi, and he is given much credit for helping to spread the use of Karate across the main islands of the nation of Japan. Okinawa marked the beginning of the discipline in 1936 when many Karate masters came together. The masters of Karate included men like Kentsu Yabu, Chotoku Kyan, Chojun, Chomo Hanashiro, Shinpan Shiroma, Genwa Nakasone, Choryo Maeshiro, and Choshin Chibana. The city of Okinawa and the surrounding region was important to the development of Karate because it was the nation's political center. The kingdom was rules by Sho Hashi, who had banned the use of weaponry throughout the area. It was this weapons ban that led people to begin developing unarmed combat and self defense training. In the years to come Karate increased exponentially in its popularity. Perhaps the early founders of the discipline would be surprised at how many have come to embrace its teachings. Now karate is offered in small towns and large cities across the globe, and it is practiced by women, children, and seniors as well as men. It has even been included in the Olympic Games.
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